Recent 'EIA' data shows rooftop solar now makes up 20% of Puerto Rico's power capacity (1,456 MW), surpassing natural gas as the second-largest source. Between 2016 and 2025, distributed solar accounted for 81% of all new capacity. To combat frequent grid outages, residents have deployed over 171,000 battery systems (2,864 MWh), with many joining grid operator LUMA's virtual power plant ('VPP') program. Despite this progress, new legislation extended the territory's sole coal plant to 2032 and removed interim renewable targets, though the 100% goal for 2050 remains.

The US solar industry faces a 53,000-worker shortfall as developers rush to meet the July 2026 construction deadline under the 'OBBBA'. Projections indicate 355,000 workers are needed to hit the 60-70 GW installation targets, yet 86% of employers report hiring difficulties. The labor crunch is compounded by a mandate requiring 15% of labor hours to come from apprentices to secure tax credits. To adapt, developers are building internal training pipelines, targeting veterans, and utilizing digital tools to maximize efficiency.